The only problem I have with violent games is that children are so insulated from genuine violence as to have no concept of it with which to calibrate.

I grew up in a town where fist fights outside pubs were common. It took no imagination to acknowledge that one does not want this to occur to oneself.

An afternoon shooting roos or a night pigging convinces no-one that shooting is "fun". An hour or two spent pulling skins off makes blood far less fascinating.

Even chopping the head off a chook, or cutting the throat of the house cow is quite sufficient to convince a ten-year-old that he "never ever will do that again".

But a year later, when presented with the concept of nothing but vegies and salad for the holiday season, young man rose to the task.

Young man now has a healthy respect for life and for our role in deciding it for those in our care.
Young man has little taste for blood and a healty ability to let it flow when necessity calls, while feeling the costs.

The best way to deter youngsters from killing is to let them be present at the death of animals they love. I hope my grandchildren get the same education.

Games then fall into their trivial place.

Rusty

Very good point Rusty.

Well said Rusty and King Hazza.
Many things are harmful if abused. I'd put TV in this category, many foods and all drugs including alcohol. I would also argue that disconnect from reality and lack of balance is the real problem.
What the authoritarians fail to acknowledge is that the facts show that the "cure" is often much worse than the "problem". Trouble is, the cure often empowers people and gives them feelings akin to "schadenfreude". Never mind that this pleasure is unwarranted and harmful, it comforts the opinionated and "feels" right.
BTW. Gamers have not said that creating R18+ will create better protection: this is a parents job. But it will stop marginal R18+ games from being rated MA15+ because there is no other option. Less confusing wouldn't you say?